March 29, 2017 – Today’s Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

I just pictured in my mind what I wanted to do. You can use that same formula in accomplishing anything in life. — Ida Bellegarde

The imagination is a powerful tool. With practice we can perfect our use of it and the results will astound us. Research has shown that athletes who visualize a practice session on the field or mountain or course hone their skills as effectively as those who practice “in the flesh.” This may be hard to believe, but it’s nonetheless true.

If this formula has worked for others, it can work for you too. But how do you begin? First, consider what you would like to do. The next step is to sit quietly, close your eyes and imagine, in detail, the activity you want to pursue. Stay quiet with this image until it feels natural. Take special note of the sensations you feel throughout your body, the colors you see around you, your inner voice’s message. Absorb the experience fully before coming back to reality.